Somewhere between your third Zoom call of the day and the relentless ping of notifications, you may have started to feel something more than just tired. A bone-deep weariness, a growing sense of detachment, or even a creeping resentment towards the work you once enjoyed. This is burnout—not a passing phase but a real and serious condition recognised by health professionals worldwide.
It’s not simply about being busy; it’s about being overwhelmed to the point of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion. Left unchecked, it can affect not just your productivity but your health, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Burnout, in its most unglamorous form, is your brain waving a tiny white flag. It's not a badge of honour or a quirky trait that makes you a go-getter. It’s a full-body nope. Exhaustion, cynicism, and the alarming desire to yeet your laptop into a pond are all part of the delightful cocktail.
Now, let’s talk about that mystical creature: work-life balance. You’ve heard of it. Some say it’s real. Others claim it’s a corporate myth, like Bigfoot but in a blazer. The truth? It can exist—but it requires some gentle rebellion and perhaps a colour-coded Google Calendar.
- Step one: boundaries. They’re not just for awkward dinner conversations. They apply to work, too. Shut the laptop. Don’t check your emails in the loo.
- Step two: learn to say no. This is terrifying at first, especially if you're a people-pleaser or someone who treats deadlines like sacred oaths. But sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is say, “I can’t take that on right now.” And then maybe lie down in a dark room and eat a biscuit. For health.
- Step three: hobbies that aren’t monetised. Read a book. Paint something terribly. Learn the ukulele and serenade your cat. Not everything needs to be a side hustle. Sometimes joy is just joy, not content.
Burnout isn’t a sign you’re weak. It’s a sign you’ve been far too strong for far too long, without pause. And work-life balance isn’t about perfection—it’s about noticing when the scales are tipping and gently nudging them back before your brain tries to file for divorce.
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